The Clifton clarion., 1887-03-16
OFFICIAL COUNTY PAPER.
The Rartendar,s Story.

When 1 knowed him at first there was suthin,'
 sort of genial air.
 That was every particular pleasin';
 And what you might call-debonair. I'm aware that expression is Frenchy,
 And hishfalutin. perhaps, Which accounts that have the acquaintance Of several quality chaps. And such is the way they converses.
 But, speakin' of this here young man Apparently Nature had shaped
 On a sort of liberal plan. Had given him good looks and good language,
 And manners expressive with vim, His belief in hisself, and that others Was just as good feliers as him. Well, this chap wasn't stuck up by no means.
 Nor inclined to be easy put down: And was thought to be jolly agreeable
 Whenever he went around town. He.used to come in for his beverage
 Quite regular every night; And took considerable interest In mixing the thing about right. A malicious indulgence in liquids It is nat raj for me to admire; But I'm free to admit that for some folks They is poison complete and entire; Tor rum, though 9 cheerful companion. As boss IS the Devils own chuni And this chap, am sorry to state it, Was aoored in a wrestle with rum. For he got to increasin' his doscs, And took 'ein more often, he did And it growed on him faster and faster.
 Till into a bummer ke slid. 1 was grieved to observe this here feller
 A shoviu' hisself down the grade, And lectured him onto it sometimes.
 At the risk of its injurin' trade. At last he got thunderin' seedy.
 And lost his respect for hissalf. And all his high notions of honor
 Was bundled away on the shelf. But at times he was dreadful remorseful,
 Whenever he'd stop for to think. And he'd swear to reform hisself frequent:
 And end it by takin' drink. What saved that young feller? woman.
 She done it the singlerest way He come into the barroom one evenin',
 He hadn't been drinkin' that dayl And sot hisself down to a table.
 With terrible sorrowful face, And he sat there a erownin' repeated,
 And callin' hisself gone case. He was thinkin', and thinkin' and thinkin's
 And cussin' hisself and his fate, And ended his thinkin', as usnal,
 By orderin' q Bourbon straight. He was holdin' the glass in his fingers
 When into the place from the street There came young ga! like spirit,
 With face that was wonderful sweet. And she glided right up to the table.
 And took the glass gently away. And she says to him, George, 1t is over;
 1 am only woman today! I rejected you once in my a:iger,
 But come to you lowly and meek. For I can't live without you, my darling,
 1 thought I was strong. but I'm weak. You are bound in terrible bondage,
 And 1 come love, to share it with yout Is there shame in the deed? I can bear it,
 For, at least, to my love I am true; I have turned from the home of my childhood,
 And ! come to you, lover and friend, Leaving comfort. contentment, and honor,
 And Til stay till the terrible end. lis there hunger and want in the future?
 will share them with you and not shrink And together we'll join in the pleasures.
 The woes, and the dangers of drink" Then she raised up the glass, firm and steady,
 But her face was as pale as the dead Here's to wine, and the joys of carousals,
 Tine songs, and the laughter" she said. Then he rig up, his face like a tempest,
 And took the glass out of her hsnds And slung 1t away, stern and savage
 And tell you, his manner was grand. And he says. II have done with it. Nellie, And I'll turn from the ways have trod, And I'll live to be worthy of you, dear,
 So help me 6 merciful God.' What more was remarked it is needless For me to attempt to relate; It was some time ago since it happened.
 But the sequel is easy to state. I seen that same faller last Monday.
 Lool1in' hobby and handsome and game, He was wheeling vehicle, gentlemen, And baby was into the same. Anonymous.